The solution enables NFC card emulation functionality to be added to standard mobile phones by simply replacing the existing SIM with a new device that fits within a standard SIM form factor and contains both an antenna and a secure element.

Inside has been working with Sunward Telecom to bring the technology to market in China.

“It’s only been a few months since we gave the first proof of concept demonstration of this breakthrough technology at Cartes 2011, and now, through the cooperation and expertise of Sunward Telecom, we are able to show a complete solution that will soon be bringing new applications and business models to customers in China,” says Inside’s Bertrand Moussel.

“Through our alignment with Sunward Telecom, Inside was first to place an NFC card emulation solution, including antenna, into a standard SIM card, insert it into a mobile phone and have it perform up to industry standards. Now, Sunward Telecom will be first to market with a solution based upon Inside’s core technology that can bring the benefits of NFC functionality to the huge installed base of non-NFC phones.”

“NFC technology is being adopted by the major Chinese banks and mobile service operators, and contactless mobile payments will be one of the key applications of these organizations in the upcoming years,” explains Eddie Kwok, CEO of Sunward Telecom. “We are very excited to work with Inside to create a product based on their patented NFC core technologies and introduce it to the China mobile commerce market.”

Sunward Telecom expects to begin shipping NFC SIM card products based on Inside’s technology during the fourth quarter of 2012.

• The two companies will be demonstrating the new solution in suite AV72 during MWC.